Analysis
Marketing programs across New York show striking variation in outcomes, with top performers like Syracuse placing graduates at $58,000 while the state median sits at $42,000. Roberts Wesleyan's estimated first-year earnings of $42,381—derived from comparable bachelor's programs in New York—land right at that state median, suggesting middle-of-the-pack results. Combined with an estimated $26,000 in debt, this creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61, which is manageable but unremarkable for a marketing degree.
The broader context matters here. The national median for marketing graduates is actually slightly higher at $44,728, and the school's 40% Pell population suggests many students will need to watch every dollar of their investment carefully. While $26,000 in debt isn't catastrophic—it's close to both state and national norms—the estimated earnings don't provide much cushion. Marketing careers often build momentum after the first year, but there's a meaningful gap between what similar programs in New York typically produce and what graduates from the state's stronger programs earn right out of the gate.
For families weighing this investment, recognize you're looking at approximations based on peer schools, not Roberts Wesleyan's actual track record. If your student has options at programs with reported outcomes closer to $49,000-$50,000, that extra $7,000-$8,000 annually makes debt repayment considerably easier and career flexibility greater.
Where Roberts Wesleyan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,504 | $42,381* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $63,061 | $57,777* | $68,357 | $26,951* | 0.47 | |
| $61,992 | $55,261* | — | $26,933* | 0.49 | |
| $50,850 | $49,398* | $73,714 | $26,000* | 0.53 | |
| $44,405 | $49,312* | $64,500 | $27,000* | 0.55 | |
| $51,424 | $48,509* | $67,096 | $26,000* | 0.54 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728* | — | $24,267* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marketing graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Marketing Managers
Sales Managers
Fundraising Managers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Fundraisers
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Roberts Wesleyan University, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 28 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.